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Better Stands

Exhibiting sustainably at Vitafoods Europe

Moving towards more reusable stands, together

The Better Stands Programme is an industry-wide initiative designed to make exhibitions more responsible, with the support of leading international exhibition organisers. The programme is registered as part of the Net Zero Carbon Events (NZCE) initiative.

Today 60+ organisations are implementing Better Stands across 400+ events worldwide. The programme provides a framework for assessing stand reusability and recognises exhibitors and their appointed contractors who choose reusable structures. Fi Europe is proud to be part of this movement, helping our community take practical steps towards more responsible exhibiting.

The goal of the Better Stands Programme

By moving away from single-use stands, the Better Stands Programme will improve the ease, safety and sustainability of the exhibitor experience at events. Join us as we bring the events industry towards a more sustainable future. 

How it works

The Better Stands assessment 

during the build-up and dismantle phases of the event, a third-party, Abraxys, will inspect your stand. They will assess each stand element against the Better Stands 10-point framework and take photos to verify whether

contractors will receive the stand report from Abraxys within a maximum of 2 weeks post-event.

if the contractor disagrees with the outcome of the report, they have 2 weeks to submit a formal reply for review to Abraxys.

after the right to reply period ends, exhibitors will receive the final report along with their specified certificate. If the stand is classified as single-use, the exhibitor will also be notified.

Built for the future

Working together for better stands 

There’s no single solution to making exhibitions more sustainable. Progress depends on everyone playing their part – from organisers and contractors to exhibitors and suppliers.

To help measure that progress, the Better Stands Programme uses three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold. These provide clear benchmarks for the level of reuse incorporated into a stand.

At Fi Europe, Better Stands is becoming an increasingly important part of how we approach stand construction. Compliance is monitored throughout the event cycle, from stand plan submission through to on-site review and verification.

Read the exhibitor procurement guide

Reusable: 

  • Stand structure & walls
  • Platform
  • Furniture & equipment
  • Lighting

Reusable:

  • Stand structure & walls
  • Platform 
  • Furniture & equipment
  • Lighting
  • Fascia & overhead signage
  • Rigged structure
  • Ceiling
  • Display facilities

  • Stand structure & walls
  • Platform
  • Furniture & equipment
  • Lighting
  • Fascia & overhead signage
  • Rigged structure
  • Ceiling
  • Display facilities

Reusable or recyclable:

  • Graphics & decorative items
  • Floor covering

Fi Europe - Better Stands

Interview with Spiro

Interview with Abraxys

The numbers

Our Better Stands 2025 results

At Fi Europe, our aim is for all space-only stands to meet at least the Bronze standard. We encourage every exhibitor to consider a reusable approach when planning their stand and to speak to their appointed contractor about how the stand can be designed with future use in mind.

41
‎ Stands
Bronze
221
Stands
Silver
84
Stands
Gold

We’re proud to recognise the companies who have achieved Gold status, demonstrating a strong commitment to more sustainable exhibition practices.

Marcelo

"At Fi Europe, we're committed to reducing waste by asking exhibitors to build stands using materials that can be used again and again. Better Stands is the event industry framework that makes this transition straightforward, helping clients and their contractors design with reusability in mind, cut costs over time, and significantly reduce environmental impact."

Marcelo Brull

Sustainability Manager, Fi Europe 

Sustainable design

Why the Better Stands Programme matters

  • <p>Moving away from single-use stands</p>

    Moving away from single-use stands

    Single-use stands are often constructed on-site from materials that are difficult to reuse. Once an event ends, these structures can be dismantled and sent for landfill or incineration. In some regions, single-use stands account for more than 80% of total event waste. Poorly managed materials and temporary structures can also create risks for the teams responsible for building and dismantling stands.

  • <p>The solution: reusable stands</p>

    The solution: reusable stands

    Reusable stands are designed with future events in mind. Core elements can be dismantled, transported and used again, helping to reduce waste while creating a safer and more efficient exhibiting experience.

    Planning for reuse can also help make stand construction and dismantle more predictable and reduce waste-related costs.

    When planning your stand, speak to your contractor about how every element can be designed for reuse at future events.

Benefits

What Better Stands means for exhibitors

  • Make build and dismantle smoother and more predictable

  • Reduce waste generated by your stand & avoid unexpected waste and disposal costs. 

  • Reduce costs associated with stand design and construction over time

  • Demonstrate your commitment to more responsible exhibiting